Award-Worthy Destinations Inspired by Oscar Nominated Films

By Allison Webster

While many of this year’s Academy Award nominated films tackle serious subjects dealing with race, inequality and personal hardships, they take place in real places with real landmarks providing context for the film. Whether they take place in the past or present day, are based on real life or are works of fiction, these locations are prominent – providing not only a backdrop for the movie, but a reality in which these characters live.

You can live these stories, too, just by visiting these locations.

Here are five travel destinations based on 2019 Oscar nominated films:

If Beale Street Could Talk: Harlem, New York

Despite the title of this film suggesting it takes place in Memphis, Tennessee, this story (adapted from a James Baldwin novel of the same name) is set in the Harlem neighbourhood in New York City in the 1970s.

So, what can you see and do in 2019 Harlem? This north Manhattan neighbourhood has done a great job of celebrating its African American roots, even though it has gentrified. To get a taste of it, start by taking a historic tour of the famous Apollo Theater. Or try authentic soul food at Sylvia’s. There’s also the Showman’s Jazz Club, which appears briefly in the film.

You can also visit Central Park’s north end – if you want to get away from the noise of the city.

Bohemian Rhapsody: London, England

While London is a big city with tons of history, if you want to experience Queen’s London, there are some specific stops you simply must make. There has been a lot of renewed interest in the band Queen and Freddie Mercury since the film came out in late fall 2018.

If you feel like going on a Queen pilgrimage to London, you should check out the following: Wembley Stadium was the venue where the band played the famous Live Aid show – considered one of the greatest rock performances in history. This scene played a huge role in the biopic. You can also have a pint at Freddie’s Bar at Ealing College, where Mercury studied art. There’s also Imperial College, where Brian May studied and Queen and other members’ bands played on campus. There’s also Madame Tussauds, where you can pose with a wax figure of Freddie Mercury.

Roma: Mexico City, Mexico

This autobiographical film takes places in the Colonia Roma neighbourhood of Mexico City in the early 1970s. Today, this area is considered a more “hipster” neighbourhood, with lots of restaurants, bars and cultural spaces. Roma is now divided into two neighbourhoods – Roma Norte and Roma Sur.

Green Book: Deep South, US

The title of the film Green Book refers to a travel guide written by Victor Hugo Green called “The Negro Motorist Green Book” that was published between 1936 to 1966. The book listed hotels and restaurants that were friendly to African Americans. The book also listed “Sundown Towns” – white-only communities that had laws that said people of colour had to leave by sundown. While this is a sad reflection of the past, there’s a lot we can learn by visiting communities where this kind of segregation once took place. The deep south is a good place to start.

A Star is Born – Los Angeles, California

The fourth incarnation of this film tells an updated story of the prices you pay for fame, the demons you cannot always vanquish and the things you’ll do for love. Stories of fame often take place in L.A., as it’s where people often go to make their dreams come true. While the film doesn’t ever directly reference the city, there are some recognizable filming locations.

If you want to experience the 2018 A Star is Born in real life, visit the Greek Theatre in Griffith Park where Lady Gaga’s character performs in front of a huge audience for the first time. There’s also the Chateau Marmont, where she stays during one scene. If you want to see other related places, you can always do a studio tour at Warner Brothers. Don’t forget to visit the Hollywood sign, to remind yourself of where you are!

Have you seen any of these films? Are you inspired to travel or learn more about the history of some of these places? Did we miss a film you thought should have been mentioned? Get inspired by the beauty of film to take your next trip.

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